Chahana Takiou, editor of the biweekly newspaper 22 Septembre, was sentenced on Monday by the National Cybercrime Unit to a one-year prison term, including six months suspended, meaning six months to be served in full. Arrested in early June, the journalist faced legal action after sharply criticizing the transitional authorities during the Pan-African Media Forum in Bamako.

During the discussions, he notably condemned the use of cybercrime laws to prosecute journalists, arguing that press offenses should be handled under specific press legislation. He also stated that “journalism is the same under all skies,” remarks that drew applause from part of the audience.

Tense climate surrounding press freedom

Upon hearing the verdict, one of Takiou’s lawyers expressed disappointment at the severity of the sentence. Since seizing power in the 2020 coup, the transitional authorities led by General Assimi Goïta have faced repeated accusations from human rights and press freedom organizations of restricting public discourse through legal proceedings, arrests, and political party dissolutions. In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders ranked Mali 121st out of 180 countries.

This conviction comes at a time when Mali has grappled for over a decade with a severe security crisis, marked by jihadist attacks, communal violence, and political instability.